Sunscreen, Snuggles, & patio Hour: The Ultimate Vancouver Moms’ Bucket List
Ah, summer in Vancouver - undeniably the time where the city, literally and metaphorically, shines. Blue skies flirting with the mountains, the smell of fresh pine, and parks bursting with life. But as a new mom, all that magic can sometimes feel a little… overwhelming. Between navigating nap schedules, monitoring temperatures and sunscreen battles, and the constant “Did I pack everything?” panic, summer can blur into a sweaty, sleep-deprived haze.
But fear not! You don’t need a PhD in multitasking or a superhero cape (although those would help). What you do need is a simple, joyful list of summer traditions to help you and your little one soak up the season without losing your sanity. And let’s be honest, it’s about time we started to prioritize doing what we want to do, too. Here’s a Vancouver-centric bucket list designed just for moms with babies, because you ALSO deserve some fun… without the fuss.
1. Morning Strolls in the Forest
Whether it’s Stanley Park, Pacific Spirit Park, or a short loop around Lynn Valley, being so close to the outdoors is one of Vancouver’s strong points. Getting into the woods isn’t just a tourist must-do - it can be a mom’s sanity saver. Pack up the carrier, grab a coffee for the car ride, and hit the trails. Sun shining through the trees, fresh air, and cute squirrels to keep your baby entertained… you’ll forget all about that terrible night’s sleep you just had in a jiffy (and you’ll get a little exercise, too… win-win).
2. Join a Moms’ Adventures Community Whatsapp
The MotherFlock has our own little whatsapp community… join the newest group, aptly titled “Moms’ Adventure Club”. Purely for prioritizing mommy’s need for exploring all of what Vancouver and the region has to offer, throw out an adventure idea and see who wants to join. Bowen Island or Deep Cove, anyone?
3. Splash Pads & Sprinklers
Nothing says summer like water play. Vancouver is dotted with splash pads perfect for little splashers. Your baby might be too tiny for full-on water shenanigans, but a light sprinkle on their toes while you relax nearby? Instant giggles and a nice cool down for you both. Call up some mom friends, head for Stanley Park splashpad, and park up for a picnic lunch.
4. Attend The MotherFlock Annual Picnic at Trout Lake
Grab a blanket, some snacks, and let your baby marvel at the big blue sky while you soak up some vitamin D and get to hang out with other moms. The MotherFlock Annual Picnic is coming in late August… look out for further announcements soon.
5. Sunset Dinner & Witching Hour at Jericho, Kits Beach, or English Bay
Witching hour sucks. It can’t hurt to try and make the most of it, and get outside. Pack your dinner to-go and end the day with a (hopefully) peaceful sunset walk. The worst that will happen is that baby screams, and you have to pack up and leave. But at least you’ll have had a nice view for it.
6. Attend an outdoor Mom & Baby class
Vancouver’s community centers and parks often host postpartum fitness or music classes tailored for moms and babies. It’s a great way to meet other new moms, move your body, and introduce your baby to new sights and sounds. Check out stroller fitness with Carey at Trout Lake, postpartum fitness with Shana Alexander at Kits Beach, or a babywearing dance class with Mami and Me. If you’re looking for more of a baby-focused class, Music Together’s summer program or the VSO’s Summer in the Park is worth checking out.
7. Farmer’s Market Friend Date
Check out a local farmer’s market like the one at Main Street, Trout Lake, or Kitsilano. Fresh berries, handmade goods, and colourful veggies are on the menu, plus the sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells is perfect for baby’s brain development. Even better, ditch the baby, and go kid-free with a friend. Do you even need an excuse to treat yourself to a bunch of fresh flowers?
8. Hit Up an Outdoor Concert
I recently went to a gig at Malkin Bowl, and was so excited to see the amount of new parents there with their baby or toddler. Deer Lake Park is another great option. Grab some noise-cancelling headphones, a semi-cold beer, and re-connect to a part of your pre-baby life.
9. Pencil in a DIY Photoshoot
We often talk about how we don’t take enough pictures of ourselves as mothers. It doesn’t have to be professional - just you and your babies, dressed up (or not), feeling good, capturing this version of yourself. The beach, at the park, or strawberry picking. Even if you feel like crap and have stains all over your clothes, one day, you’ll look back and see how stunning you were in the thick of it.
10. Baby’s First Ferry Ride
Nothing says “I still have an adventurous bone in my body” like hopping on a boat with a baby and living to tell the tale. Bowen is chill, stroller-friendly, and full of places to grab a pastry and pretend you’re on sabbatical.
11. Hike Quarry Rock
One of my favourite hikes in the city, take advantage of being off during the week for this one… parking can be crazy on the weekends. Great views, exercise, and a little doughnut treat from Honey’s when you’re all done. Makes for a top morning out.
12. Moms, Happy Hour, and a Patio
Claim one late-afternoon a month. Pick a patio (hello, Baeside, Local, and Tap & Barrel), grab your mom crew, and toast to surviving another week. A patio in the sunshine just makes everything better.
13. “Treat Yo’ Self Tuesday” (or any day)
Once a week: one treat, in a different neighbourhood. New coffee shop and iced latte? What about testing a new ice cream flavour, as you tour the city’s best spots? Tiny luxuries count. Track them. Celebrate them. And don’t count the calories.
Why These Adventures Matter
These adventures aren’t about doing all the things or making every summer ‘Instagram perfect.’ Nope. They’re about carving out simple, nourishing moments that help you build a little sanctuary of calm, fun, and connection. With baby, but also with yourself. Summer days with your little one might be sleepless and chaotic at times, but traditions like these become your secret sauce for sanity and joy.
So go ahead, try one, two, or all of them. And remember: it’s totally okay if you just sit in the shade at the local park and watch the clouds roll by. Motherhood isn’t about hustle - it’s about heart. And moments. Vancouver’s summer is waiting for you to make memories, one splash, stroll, and sunset at a time.
